Metropolitan Antony and Bishop Daniel Participate in the Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Archpastoral Service of the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

On May 25, 2014, hierarchs, clergy and faithful from across Canada gathered at the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Winnipeg MB to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Episcopal Consecration of His Eminence Metropolitan Yurij.

His Eminence Metropolitan Yurij, the second of three sons, was born in Lachine, Quebec on May 26, 1951, to Petro and Anastazia Kalistchuk. His Eminence was enthroned in November of 2010 as the Metropolitan for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.

The Divine Liturgy was presided over by no less than 7 hierarchs: Metropolitan Yurij, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC); Metropolitan Antony, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA; Bishop Christopher, Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Canada; Bishop Ilarion, Western Eparchy of the UOCC; Bishop Andriy, Eastern Eparchy of the UOCC; Bishop Daniel, Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA; Bishop Irynej, Admistrator of the Canadian Archdiocese of the Orthodox Church of America. His Eminence Metropolitan Soterios, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Prime Hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Canada was present in the altar. Moreover, Metropolitan Lawrence of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg was in attendance.

V. Rev. Archpriest Victor Lakusta, Chancellor of the Presidium of the Consistory Board of the UOCC, began the program by calling upon Metropolitan Soterios to bring greetings. His Eminence greeted Metropolitan Yuriy in the name of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, and highlighted the historical bond and respect that there is between the Ecumenical Throne and Ukrainians. Metropolitan Antony, as a keynote speaker, commented on being friends with Metropolitan Yuriy through out the years, dating back to the days at St. Andrew’s College for over 40 years. He said that being a bishop brings many challenges and blessings and prayed that God would grant Metropolitan Yuriy strength to continue in his service to the Lord. Bishop Irynej greeted His Eminence on behalf of the OCA Community in Canada. He called upon God to bless His Eminence with peace and health in his service to the Church. Bishop Ilarion brought greetings on behalf of the Western Eparchy of the UOCC. He said 25 years of service, as a bishop, is a great event in the history of the church. We are grateful to God for the gift that His Eminence has been for the UOCC. Bishop Andriy, in his greeting emphasized the spiritual and administrative role of the Metropolitan in the life of the Church. His Grace Bishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Bishop Christopher of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Canada, greeted Metropolitan Yuriy, reflecting on his role in the episcopal consecration of both of them; stating that we have gathered to give thanks for the ‘Apostolic Service’ that His Eminence has and continues to carry out. God has been the foundation of this service and His Eminence continues to be His faithful servant. Metropolitan Lawrence of the Ukrainian Catholic Church greeted His Eminence on behalf of the Ukrainian Catholic hierarchy, clergy and faithful. He thanked God for His Grace that has blessed the many years of service that is being celebrated at this event.

Various representatives of the Manitoba Government as well as the Federal government, acknowledged how the Grace of the Holy Spirit has guided His Eminence throughout the last 25 years of service. The presenters expressed their gratitude for being part of this celebratory event and remarked how politicians must come together to decide what is best for the country and as such how the Church continues to come together to work for what is best for the faithful. Representatives of various Ukrainian-Canadian organizations offered their greetings as well.

Metropolitan Yuriy then was called forward to offer his words. He thanked the organizing committee and commented on how this event has spiritually affirmed and strengthened him to continue the work that he has been called to do. He thanked God for the strength to serve and for his predecessors who paved the way for him. He called upon the hierarchs, clergy and faithful to continue to work for our Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Ukrainian community.